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Much like Pink Floyd, there is a definite pre & post period with several line-up changes starting with the second album. The first most notable departure was Anthony Phillips and later on Peter Gabriel. The most notable additions were Steve Hackett and Phil Collins, with only Tony Banks and Mike Rutherford as charter members. There were 2 drummers prior to Phil Collins, who joined the band with Steve Hackett on Nursery Cryme.
Up to and including The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway they were fronted by the theatrically focused Peter Gabriel and still in the midst of their progressive roots. When PG left many thought this was the end of Genesis as we knew them. And for the pre-period fans this must have seemed so. However, with Phil Collins having been handed the reigns as the new frontman (they couldn't find anyone else and PC wasn't really keen and I suspect somewhat insecure), the new post-period Genesis created a lush album with A Trick of the Tail and clearly stated that the band would have more to offer.
The still progressive sounds continued with Wind & Wuthering, but a move away from their roots started creeping in on ...And Then There Were Three... This personally never bothered me, nor did it surprise me with Steve Hackett's departure. Genesis were now a trio consisting of Banks, Collins & Rutherford and they obviously had a different vision. The next album made it clear that Prog was taking a backseat, in favour of a more mainstream direction. However, Duke still captures both Prog and Pop in a more than just satisfactory effort. That album (to me) flows really well and manages to capture both music forms with wonderful fluidity.
The next four (Abacab, Genesis, Invisible Touch, We Can't Dance) became huge sellers and the circle was complete. What a journey!
The last Genesis album was a 1997 effort called Calling All Stations with Tony Banks, Mike Rutherford and Ray Wilson (a replacement for Phil Collins). I can't comment on this as I've not heard it. Although it reached #2 in the U.K. it never made an impact elsewhere.
Here are my Top 3 Genesis albums.
1. A Trick of the Tail
2. The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway
3. Duke
Up to and including The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway they were fronted by the theatrically focused Peter Gabriel and still in the midst of their progressive roots. When PG left many thought this was the end of Genesis as we knew them. And for the pre-period fans this must have seemed so. However, with Phil Collins having been handed the reigns as the new frontman (they couldn't find anyone else and PC wasn't really keen and I suspect somewhat insecure), the new post-period Genesis created a lush album with A Trick of the Tail and clearly stated that the band would have more to offer.
The still progressive sounds continued with Wind & Wuthering, but a move away from their roots started creeping in on ...And Then There Were Three... This personally never bothered me, nor did it surprise me with Steve Hackett's departure. Genesis were now a trio consisting of Banks, Collins & Rutherford and they obviously had a different vision. The next album made it clear that Prog was taking a backseat, in favour of a more mainstream direction. However, Duke still captures both Prog and Pop in a more than just satisfactory effort. That album (to me) flows really well and manages to capture both music forms with wonderful fluidity.
The next four (Abacab, Genesis, Invisible Touch, We Can't Dance) became huge sellers and the circle was complete. What a journey!
The last Genesis album was a 1997 effort called Calling All Stations with Tony Banks, Mike Rutherford and Ray Wilson (a replacement for Phil Collins). I can't comment on this as I've not heard it. Although it reached #2 in the U.K. it never made an impact elsewhere.
Here are my Top 3 Genesis albums.
1. A Trick of the Tail
2. The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway
3. Duke
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